Tag Archives: International Women’s Day

Last Friday one of my students presented me with a potted mini rose bush. I assumed it was a gesture related to my recent miscarriage, but actually it was a gift in celebration of International Women’s Day (3/8/08). International Women’s Day? I had never heard of such a thing, but in my student’s home country, it is customary to present women with flowers on IWD. I was glad she chose a potted flower!

My last post listed the top 10 countries for being a woman according to the UN Development Programme. The US (12) did not make the list, but neither did the UK (16), Mexico (52), my student’s Ukraine (76), or Germany (22). [1] In the course of looking up the data I found Kemal Dervis’s statement for International Women’s Day. The theme is “Investing in Women and Girls.” Dervis states that this theme “is about changing the systems and attitudes that discriminate against women and prevent them from fully participating in and benefiting from the economies and societies in which they live.” How do we plan to honor this goal in the US? How can we tackle important women’s issues in our communities? How will we positively influence local, statewide, and national political trends to discuss and improve the lives of women and girls in the US?

Are you “unseen” in your community or recognize women at risk in your community? Do something proactive! Whether it’s starting a support group, mentoring teen moms, taking a meal to a family or friend in need, picketing City Hall, raising legislative awareness, or even simply smiling at a woman or girl who looks like she needs it, you can make a difference.